Hi!! you are thinking of travelling to New Zealand but you are confused on what you need and were to start from. If that is you, then you have come to the right place. Before you travel to New Zealand, ask yourself
Do I need a travel permit like a visa? Can I enter NZ without a visa?
Visa
This is an important question. Find out if you will need a visa or travel permit to enter the country. If you are from certain countries, all you may require is an electronic travel permit known as NZeTA. You do know that you can apply for NZeTA and get it under 72 hours, Watch this video to learn how.
Some countries will require visa to enter New Zealand. All this information can be found on their website which immigration website. The type of visa you need will vary depending on your purpose of travelling to New Zealand. The visa requirement varies per country and per individual. Pretty standard but many people forget:
Apply early!!
NZ visa application is quite easy and seamless. But there is a big BUT…
the processing time
It takes forever!!! And contacting them is a full-time job. If you are already tired of ready, you can listen or watch the full gist here.
Travelling to NZ
You can only get to New Zealand via a ship or plane, you cannot get here by land or road for obvious reasons. Before you come to New Zealand:
Lower your expectations.
The country is relatively small with a population of 5 mil people.
For perspective, that is only 3% of Naija’s population. So, for you who is travelling from larger countries or have been to countries with much bigger and well-developed economy, adjust your expectations. New Zealand is really beautiful but there will be things that will shock you… beginning at the airport.
Speaking of airports,
Find out if you require a transit visa.
A transit visa is a visa that allows you stop over a country where you would not normally be allowed to enter without a visa. The duration varies per country of arrival.
If you are travelling through Aussie, which many flights are doing these days thanks to covid, you may require a transit visa. Airlines will not allow you board the plane without your transit visa so, you may end up stranded. Aussie Immigration website got all information.
Entering New Zealand
Before you disembark
Before you disembark your ship or plane, you will be given a passenger arrival card which people simply call arrival card. You can also find these cards placed at different points at the airport before you get passport control or customs, as they are simply called.
Passenger arrival card is a form that you must complete before you pass through customs. Everyone arriving New Zealand must complete that form. This card is a legal document so false declaration will incur penalties.
You will be asked about your personal details, flight details, occupation, address, and simple yes or no questions concerning the contents of your bag and about food and other goods like sports items etc.
The recommendation is if you are in doubt, declare it!!! You will present this card at Customs and again at Biosecurity.
Crossing the border (airport)
You will have to declare all your food items and even some non-food items.
New Zealand remains so beautiful and their air so fresh because of the Maori culture that values their environment, the distance from the rest of the world.
Another reason is because biosecurity is at the top of their priority list. To keep their flora and fauna as balanced and evergreen as possible, these guys do not play around with their biosecurity.
You must declare or be fine or worse returned. It is important that I tell you this, some foods will not be allowed. Learn more here
Also check out their website for more information. Read carefully. I know many people these days refuse to read. Don’t be like them to avoid stories that touch.
Remember, had I known always comes last.
Make sure you clean your sports and outdoor equipment before you pack them.
Lastly.
budget
Cost of living is high in New Zealand. And that’s on perioddt!
I have explored this topic indepth on my Youtube channel.
Whether you are coming to study, to work, visiting for a period, or relocating to New Zealand. You must plan for accommodation; transportation, everyday living and as you think, remember your meals.
Ubers and taxis are expensive especially in smaller cities.
There are of course many other things to consider depending on your situations, but these are the generic preliminary aspects to keep in mind.
Feel free to share and comment!
